We all recognize the importance of water. It helps keep us hydrated and healthy.

At OCSD we treat more than 180 million gallons of water a day (MGD). A portion of that treated water is released into the ocean through a 10-foot diameter offshore pipeline that extends five miles from shore and about 200 feet below the ocean surface. The last mile of the pipe is a diffuser that has 503 portholes through which treated wastewater is slowly released.

The remaining water is sent over to our sister agency, the Orange County Water District (OCWD), where it is put through the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS). This joint project has been operational since January 2008, the GWRS is a state-of-the-art water purification process that can produce up to 100 MGD of high-quality water that meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. This is enough water to meet the needs of nearly 850,000 residents in north and central Orange County, California.

The GWRS is a joint project between the OCSD and the OCWD. Working together for more than 40 years and leading the way in water recycling across the world. Providing a locally controlled, drought-proof and reliable supply of high-quality water in an environmentally sensitive and economical manner is one of our highest priorities. Because water should be #ThereWhenYouNeedIt.

Follow us on Social Media and YouTube @ocsewers for more information about our wastewater treatment process.